The holiday season is upon us. While it can be an exciting time full of joyful celebrations and yummy indulgences, it can also be a very stressful time as we try to fit in all of the festivities while still squeezing in our exercise routines, healthy foods and ultimately our pants.

Fortunately, it is possible to make healthy choices, maintain a healthy weight and stay energized throughout the holiday season.

For starters, be sure to pay extra special attention to portion control. There’s no reason to deny yourself your favorite holiday treats, but enjoy them within reason. Choose treats that are unique to the holiday season and bear in mind that the first bite is always the best.

Next, if you want to have enough energy to enjoy the festivities then eat less sugar. Overindulging in added sugar can cause sleepiness, lightheadedness, and digestive upset, particularly nausea, diarrhea, gas, and bloating soon after eating.Plus, too much added sugar over a period of time leads to elevated blood sugar, insulin resistance, obesity, fatty liver, chronic inflammation and an imbalance of gut bacteria, in part because harmful gut microbes love sugar.